Kill Alex Cross - Free Preview: The First 27 Chapters

by James Patterson

Detective Alex Cross is one of the first on the scene of the biggest case he's ever been part of. The President's son and daughter have been abducted from their school - an impossible crime, but somehow the kidnapper has done it. Alex does everything he can but is shunted to the fringes of the investigation. Someone powerful doesn't want Cross too close.A deadly contagion in the DC water supply threatens to cripple the capital, and Alex sees the looming shape of the most devastating attack the United States has ever experienced. He is already working flat-out on the abduction, and this massive assault pushes Cross completely over the edge.With each hour that passes, the chance of finding the children alive diminishes. In an emotional private meeting, the First Lady asks Alex to please save her kids. Even the highest security clearance doesn't get him any closer to the kidnapper - and Alex makes a desperate decision that goes against everything he believes. A full-throttle thriller with unstoppable action, unrestrained emotion, and relentless suspense, Kill Alex Cross is the most gripping Alex Cross novel James Patterson has ever written.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Detective, Suspense, Crime

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Official US Site
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JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Kiki Bolling · Rating 4 out of 5]

hmmmm.....the book was good because it was a Alex Cross mystery, they are USUALLY good. However, this was my first read by James Patterson, and some things in the book just didnt match well or align with the theme. The book is about the president's kids being kidnapped and Alex Cross TRYING to be a active detective in the investigation and recovery but for some reason, he cant get his foot in the door. Someone doesnt want him there. There is also a 2nd story line centered on a married couple who belong to a Saudi Arabian terrorist group. What irritated me was that, you EXPECTED this terrorist group to be the culprit behind the kidnapping but it wasnt, it was some regular Joe Schmo guy. Which I KNOW is a good twist to regularity and expectation. But i feel like the reality of some REGULAR dude being able to kidnap the president's kids is close to NON- EXISTENT! That's VERY unrealistic in my opinion, and therefore put this book, in the "fantasy" genre for me. That was just stupid. It would have been nice to maybe see dude in cahoots with the terrorist group maybe as a traitor to the American government because of how he felt about his own son's death. I just dont feel one man could pull that off alone which made it a little phoney to me. But my Goal is to read EVERY James Patterson ALex Cross book, in order.

[Ashley Peppel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Peppel
Kill Alex Cross is a mystery/thriller book by James Patterson. I haven’t actually read any of his books, so this was a new experience for me. I highly enjoyed this book, it was jam packed with action and adventure. I thought the book was very well written, so much that I felt like I was in the story myself! Patterson was on point with all the streets and titles of the MCPD in the DC area, which hit right to home because I live in the DC area. Because of his magnificent accuracy, it seemed as if the book was based on a true event. Patterson made this book such an action packed adventure from explosions by terrorists to the Presidents children being kidnapped. I love a good mystery to read when I can, so this book was perfect for me. It’s everything you could possibly ask for in a realistic mystery and makes you feel like all the events are happening right around the corner from you. It’s just an awesome book overall and I’m excited to read another one of his books.

[Mari Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been waiting for years for Patterson to write something as good as "Along Came a Spider" and it's been a long wait. Unfortunately I am still waiting although this book came pretty close. Like all recent Patterson books, this one felt phoned in. The plot, character descriptions and settings are all very thinly written and felt rushed. Reading a Patterson book lately almost feels like reading a TV script. Still, this one kept me entertained and it was a very quick read. I would recommend with reservations.

[Carol Fellenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, keeps you guessing

[Deborah Trotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill Alex Cross, one out of the many books James Patterson has written, is nothing less than phenomenal. It’s a novel series that was published by Brown Little on November 14, 2011. Its genre is crime, and mystery/suspense. There are 358 pages, following an additional 26 pages for an exciting sneak peek of “Merry Christmas, Alex Cross” and a preview of “Private London”. This book has 117 chapters that are divided into 5 books. So I guess you can say it has books within itself, and each time I ended one, like an intrigued reader I too fell a victim to the talents of James Patterson, anxious to start the next.
I must say that if you’re a visual person like me, the cover of the book wasn’t very eye catching at first. It has a flag on the front that looks as if it’s been zoomed in showing only a star, patriotic I guess. The title itself was pretty interesting considering it had the background of a flag because; the words don’t really give an idea that it might have something to do with a president. However, once I began to read the book the look of the cover made a lot more since, and I could see why the illustrator chose to use a flag to support the eye popping, golden color for the letters of the book title.
All in all I would rate this book with a ten. I love the way James Patterson was able to play with my attention, although I can’t really say that he kept it every time due to my own lack of interest on certain parts. The storyline is very organized and well put, which showed me that the writer not only has skill, but he has control with his thought as well as the reader’s thoughts. His writing not only grabbed my attention, but distracted me from certain people or things in the plot, drawing the reader’s attention directly where he wanted it to go. He does a great job with details and allowed me to picture just about every plot using my own imagination, so with that being said I guess it’s safe to say that the writer also gets the reader vicariously involved. I almost felt as if I was watching a movie, there should’ve been a note attached saying, “don’t forget your popcorn!” I mentioned previously that this book is divided into five. The book titles are,
1. Book One: Unaccounted For
2. Book Two: Alphabet Soup
3. Book Three: War
4. Book Four: Necessary Evil
5. Book Five: Rush To The Finish
I could tell the writer put a lot of thought into the titles he chose because, it was almost as if he was giving an intro to the plot of each particular book based on the title. Last but not least, this book was very easy to read and the print and layout was very easy on the eyes as well. Not too long, not too short, but just right.

[Orel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson ;book #18, copyright 2012; a thriller selling more than 230 million books in his pass. In my opinion this book was betrayed pretty good with the whole government officials and how they work to get a crime solved .
It all started with the presidents children being kidnapped . Once they are kidnapped Patterson talks to us about a married couple named Tariq and his wife who is a doctor , then finding out that they are terrorists. Patterson writes his book pretty good in describing how territory's work to get attacks , also how the FBI and other officials work in the Washington, D.C. Area . He does a great job describing the streets and the city that I personally live in ( silver spring ) which he also brings up in the book. The characters develop on the book like Hala we find out she's a heartless person and a women who can torture you if you do anything to bother her without mercy . Alex cross is a family man and a great husband. He takes a visit to the White House and meets Mrs coyle and she is also a family women . Crazy thing that all these people introduced are family people and Patterson shows how hard it is o work for this type of work and run a family . The theme of this book is amazing the thrill of terrorists attacks and how both sides are doing to get that they want. I personally enjoyed reading the book and how Patterson made it like a cause and effect style and it was surprising through out what was going on throughout the book it gets even better when it talks about the family , and I think I'd read another James Patterson novel .

[Alyssa Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the book is called Kill Alex Cross. The author of the book is James Patterson. It is about a detective who tries to find the president’s children. The U.S. price for the book is $9.99. The color on it is red, white, blue, and gold.
The theme of the book is the president’s children get kidnapped and there is a detective name Alex Cross. The thesis statement of the book is the children get kidnapped. No, I have not read anything else by the author. Some of the other characters are Hala. I have never heard of this book or the author.
My general conclusions of the book are it is boring to read. the epilogue is very interesting but is very easy to understand. Also, the setting of the book takes place in Washington, DC. The book is an action type book for people who like action books.
The book states “If there really were human superheroes, Alex Cross would be at the head of the class.” Also it states, “A thriller with family at its heart... It’s Patterson at the top of his game.”

[Yein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson is a suspense filled thriller that keeps you on your toes! The way the author connected two different plots: the kidnapping of the president kids and the terrorist attack at DC. Now the title of the book is a little contradicting because nowhere in the story Alex Cross is in danger of being killed. I would definitely read another James Patterson book. I encourage people to read this book if you like crime scenes and suspense. Trust me you won’t regret reading it.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN AWESOME, SCARY READ!!

The children of President of the United States have been kidnapped. Can Alex Cross, find out who has them and where they are.
Will have to find out later, as this was only 27 Chapters long!!

[Ethan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recommend that people who love mystery. This book was awful i got 3/4 done with it and didn't like it but had to keep on reading it and finished my goal read a 2 hundred page book in three days.

[Tonya Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my faves, the narration was so off for me, I would get lost as to which character was talking. It felt unfinished.

[Gerald McFarland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, this is a duplicate of a book I reviewed earlier this month and can't seem to delete. I hope this works.

[Lisa Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the Alex Cross books because Alex is a psychologist and has a unique approach to solving homicides. This book, however, was written in 2011 and the theme of terrorist bombings is a bit passe.

[Lonette Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!

Anyone who likes suspense and piecing together a puzzle would love this book. Get your favorite slippers and sparkling cider and enjoy!

[Grandma Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great moves right along

[Gilbert G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and have never been disappointed by any book by James Patterson.
Really fast read and very entertaining!

[Michael Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the book and series. The action never stopped

[Maksim Korobtchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maksim Korobtchenko
RD 099
November 25 2013


Alex Cross Book Review

Title: Kill Alex Cross
Author: James Patterson
First Copyright Date: November 14, 2011
Type Of Book: Fiction
Price: $9.99 USI $10.99 CAN
ISBN: 1846057647 (ISBN13: 9781846057649)

Theme: President Coyle's children Zoe and Ethan find themselves being kidnapped. In order for them to be found Alex Cross is assigned to the case.
Thesis: The importance of this case is how detective Alex Cross goes through challenges to find the president's children and their kidnapper.
Author: Its said that the book Kill Alex Cross makes 50 million fans look like a good start.
The book does not explain to me what the characters look like, however they only show what kinds of personalities they have.
The theme seems familar to me because it reminds me of one of our presidents here in our world, I think the story was trying to teach us something that could happen.
The writing style makes it for many people easy to understand, for others they could incounter difficulties, but for me I find it to be easy and hard to understand, I would rather see the movie becuase I can actually see what is going on in the setting of the book.
The setting takes place in Washington DC, it plays a significant role on how the story takes place and how it ends.
My opinion about the book is that I did enjoy reading it because it had alot of action and adventures in the theme and it was not hard to understand it, but for others who have trouble reading I wouldnt recommand reading this book until they can improve their reading skills.
The book was very surprising to me, some of the parts in the book were ironic and were shocking.
I would definitely read another book by James Patterson, but before I would do that its good idea to see his book reviews online and read what other people had to say and what they recommand.

[Jay Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to go after anything with James Patterson’s name on it. But his output exceeded his ability to maintain quality. To up the quantity he brought on a whole slew of “co-authors.” To have Patterson tell it … he was still the driving creative force behind the franchise efforts. If he was, he seemed to care not a whit about the final product. The finishes his subcontractors delivered were shoddy…the seams between the drywall plot points showed and the character weather-stripping leaked badly.

So, as you will remember, I vowed after the disastrous "Swimsuit" to only read/review those novels that employed no third-party designee. That thankfully narrowed us down to Alex Cross – a character and a series, I think, Patterson has shown a unique fondness for. In this latest, “Kill Alex Cross,” we are reminded of every aspect of writing that drew us to Patterson in the first place. A compelling story. Here, the son and daughter of the President are kidnapped, while simultaneously, a new on-going terror threat is introduced. Characters to care about. Alex Cross and his family are truly characters that exist for more than just to be pinball levers to propel the story forward. A milieu worth visiting. Washington DC, from the tony Georgetown to lower middleclass SE is always an energizing backdrop.

If you haven’t read Patterson in awhile, don’t fully give up. Hang onto Alex Cross. You’ll be glad you did.

[Marcus Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Kill Alex Cross
Author: James Patterson
Copyright date: 2011
Type of book: Fiction
General subject of matter: Investigation
Theme: Alex Cross’s case of how the presidents children being kidnapped
Thesis: Alex Cross’s biggest investigation case of his career


While taking place in Washington D.c, the president’s son and daughter Zoe and Ethan plot to escape from secret services. As they escape, little do they know investigators, secret services, police, and the FBI do all they can to figure out what occurred. In addition, detective Alex Cross and other federal agents work as a team in solving the investigation although, they do know the children have been kidnapped, but they have other obstacles in their way such as terrorist and suspects. Will Alex have a chance of finding the presidents children alive?
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in suspenseful books, considering that it’s written by the worlds #1 bestselling novel and writer. Even though Kill Alex Cross is a fictional story, James Patterson has his own unique techniques in portraying this book as a nonfiction book. Another reason is that James Patterson is known for writing the most popular detective series the past twenty years. In Conclusion, Kill Alex Cross is a highly recommended book to read.

Marcus Gutierrez

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I had been reading anything Alex Cross. It's been the same old story over and over again and I have not read any of them in any particular order. I was reluctant to pick this up and read it. I am a hopeless book lover with a huge collection of books.
This, however is the usual story for me. I was also reluctant to read Along Came a Spider because the title was just too dumb. Kill Alex Cross was looking lonely and just had to be read and I was not disappointed. I gobbled this book up in approximately eight hours.
This story is a little unique based on the fact that there are families from the Middle East terrorizing Washington, DC. Cross is on the move trying to find the Presidents children who were kidnapped which matches the same story that was in Along Came a Spider. I kept on reading and reading because the story about the terrorists was written in the most intriguing way and my hope was that Cross would find the children alive this time. It would have killed me to read the same story over again in a different book, right?
So, if you have lost interest in the Cross series and tempted to start up again you might want to start with Kill Alex Cross. This book was thrilling and interesting.

[Carol MacInnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Cross is a detective with the Washington Police Department. Alex's last case gave him national exposure when he found a missing child. Now the First Lady herself is asking specifically for Alex Cross's expertise in tracking down the kidnapper of the President's two children. Since every minute is critical to finding Ethan and Zoe alive, it is reassuring to know that Alex's new bride, Bree, is understanding of his time away from her and his children since Bree is also a cop. In the midst of the pressure of this case, suddenly all D.C. schools are closed as the water supply has been compromised causing hospitals to fill up with people violently ill. At the same time, a Saudi Arabian couple have both committed suicide by the ingestion of a cyanide capsule. All the facts are pointing to a terrorist attack. Life just got a whole lot more complicated for Alex Cross.

James Patterson at the top of his game!!!! Again!!!!

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill Alex Cross. Its been awhile since I’ve read an Alex Cross book and this one has Alex searching for the President’s to children who have been kidnapped from their private school while at the same time involved in the search for teams of terrorists who have been targeting top government officials. On the home front Nanna and Bree have taken in a homeless young girl over Alex’s objections. Plenty going on in the fast paced book which was at most a two day read.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this accidentally. Since the latest Alex Cross movie was filmed in Cleveland, I plan to watch it as soon as it's available to rent. I thought it would be nice to read the book first. I got this one instead.

It's a fine book. It's got a lot of action and some kinda cool twists, but it was more or less predictable. It's a good thing to read on a rainy day when you don't want to have to think about anything. It really was an easy story to get lost in.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced read from James Patterson. The new "baddie" will be starring in future Alex Cross books for sure. I have loved Alex Cross since Along Came A Spider. None of his books have gripped me as much as that one, but Patterson never disappoints with fast-paced drama usually starring some kind of serial killer. Yes, I do like that sort of thing.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the President's son and daughter are kidnapped from their school, at first Alex Cross is kept on the sidelines of the case until the First Lady asks Alex to save her children and he jumps into the investigation with both feet. In the meantime, terorists have big plans to attack the U.S.
A very exciting book.

[mandyfujita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was one of James Patterson's better books. He has Alex Cross involved with the deaths of important people in line for the presidency. He is also involved with the kidnapping of the president's children. Lots of action and lots things happening with the Arabic bad guys. It opens up a possibility of having a sequel to the story.
I would recommend this book highly.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked! I really like the Alex Cross character. Funny, the author mentioned visiting the Firehouse Restaurant in Harrisburg. That is a real restaurant in Hbg -- took husband there for his birthday several years ago. Loved it -- the atmosphere (a converted firestation) and the food (expensive!!). Curious why author named it so specifically....

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Goodreads needs to update it's available editions. They only offer the free kindle preview edition and this has been out in hardcover since before Christmas. I did read the whole book, not just the first 27 chapters. Not the best Alex Cross - I think he's getting tired.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a simple, quick read. I enjoyed Patterson's simple characters, but they aren't well built up. I expect with all of the books he writes, something has to give. Good vs bad. A bit too simple.